Learn how to address disruptive behavior in class and engage with concerned parents effectively, fostering a cooperative approach to improve the learning environment.

As someone who has a neurodivergent child, I am certainly qualified to speak about it. The most important thing is that the teacher is sensitive and willing to make a genuine connection with the child. That is where everything starts. This is the base for communicating with the parent.

Last updated on Jun 30, 2024

Dealing with a disruptive student in class. How can you address the concerns of their parent effectively?

When you have a disruptive student in your class, it can be a significant challenge. Not only do you have to manage the classroom environment and ensure the education of other students isn't compromised, but you also have to navigate the delicate process of engaging with the student's parents. Addressing their concerns effectively requires tact, understanding, and a strategic approach. In this article, you'll learn how to handle these tricky situations and maintain a positive learning atmosphere for all your students.

Key takeaways from this article

Establish common ground:

Remind parents that you both want the best for their child, creating a foundation of trust. This shared goal can then guide the collaborative process towards positive outcomes in the classroom.
Genuine connections matter:

Building a sincere rapport with the student lays the groundwork for effective communication with parents. It shows you're invested in their child's success, making parent-teacher interactions more productive.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

1 Understand Behavior

Before approaching the parents, it's crucial to understand the root causes of the student's behavior. Disruptions can stem from a variety of sources, such as personal issues, learning disabilities, or a lack of engagement with the material. By observing the student and possibly consulting with school counselors, you can gather insights that will inform your conversation with the parents. This understanding is key to addressing the situation effectively and working towards a solution that benefits the student.

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2 Engage Parents

Once you've identified possible reasons for the disruptive behavior, it's time to engage the parents. Start by scheduling a meeting at a time that’s convenient for them, ensuring it’s a private and comfortable setting. Approach the conversation with empathy, recognizing that parents might be defensive or unaware of their child’s actions. Clearly explain the specific behaviors observed, how they affect the class, and express your commitment to their child's education. This sets a collaborative tone for the discussion.

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Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed

PhD Candidate | Graduate Assistant Director, OU Writing Center
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I have found two strategies that are most helpful in developing partnerships with parents. The first strategy is to remember that the parents are sending you their best. They love their child and want what is best for them. The second strategy builds from there. I want what is best for their child also, and so this is a point at which we can agree. We both see good in their child and we both want their child to succeed. Once parents can see that I want what they also want for their child, we can then start working together to see what that can look like in the classroom. As with anything in education, this is not foolproof. But it is the most successful start toward helping students and their families work with me that I can find.

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Barbara Vokatis, Ph.D.

International Expert & Innovator in Animal-Assisted Education| Professor at SUNY Oneonta| Literacy Programs and Clinic Coordinator| Award-winning Author| Keynote Speaker| Parent of neurodivergent teen
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As someone who has a neurodivergent child, I am certainly qualified to speak about it. The most important thing is that the teacher is sensitive and willing to make a genuine connection with the child. That is where everything starts. This is the base for communicating with the parent.

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3 Share Observations

During your meeting with the parents, share your observations without assigning blame. Use specific examples of the disruptive behavior and its impact on the classroom. It's important to remain neutral and factual, as this helps prevent parents from feeling attacked or their child from being labeled. By presenting the facts, you allow parents to understand the situation from the school’s perspective and recognize the need for their involvement in finding a solution.

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4 Offer Support

Offering support is essential when dealing with a disruptive student's parents. Let them know what resources are available, such as counseling, tutoring, or behavioral plans. Discuss strategies that could be implemented at home to complement those in the classroom. This shows that you're not only interested in addressing the behavior but also invested in the student's overall well-being and success. It's important to make parents feel like partners in their child's education journey.

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5 Create a Plan

Together with the parents, create an actionable plan to address the disruptive behavior. This might include setting clear expectations, consequences, and rewards for positive change. Ensure that the plan is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Having a structured approach gives both the student and parents a clear framework to work within and helps to monitor progress over time.

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6 Follow Up

Finally, establish a follow-up schedule to discuss the student's progress. Regular communication with the parents is key to maintaining momentum and adjusting the plan as needed. Whether it’s weekly updates or monthly meetings, consistent check-ins show that you are committed to the student's improvement and value the parents' role in this process. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate successes and reinforce positive behavior changes.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dealing with a disruptive student in class. How can you address the concerns of their parent effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Behavior

2 Engage Parents

3 Share Observations

4 Offer Support

5 Create a Plan

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

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Dealing with a disruptive student in class. How can you address the concerns of their parent effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Behavior

2 Engage Parents

3 Share Observations

4 Offer Support

5 Create a Plan

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

Rate this article

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